FWP searching for mountain lions near Missoula

State wildlife specialists are searching for mountain lions spotted near an elementary school in southwestern Missoula.

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — State wildlife specialists are searching for mountain lions spotted near an elementary school in southwestern Missoula.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife specialist Bob Weisner patrolled the area around Cold Springs School with a pair of lion-hunting dogs on Monday after a resident reported three mountain lions near her yard on Sunday night.

Weisner says three other lions have been killed in the area since September.

He says the mountain lions are preying on urban deer near the school and in other areas northeast of Missoula.

FWP usually kills mountain lions that get too close to residential areas. Weisner says relocating them isn't effective because they quickly return to their home grounds. Because they eat only meat, he says they may target house pets, livestock and even people.